2021 Jeep Gladiator
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Pickup Overland, 4dr Pickup Rubicon, 4dr Pickup Sport
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 216.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,683–5,082 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2021 standard pickup truck (18.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 26.7% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- Many owner complaints292 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 81 for similar models — most often about the steering.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a standard pickup truck offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 217 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 137-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,751 lb (4dr Pickup Overland).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 32% better than the 2021 standard pickup truck average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 292 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Pickup Overland | 216.9 in | 74 in | 73.6 in | 137.4 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,751 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr Pickup Rubicon | 216.9 in | 74 in | 73.6 in | 137.4 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 5,082 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr Pickup Sport | 216.9 in | 74 in | 73.6 in | 137.4 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,683 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladiator EcoDiesel 4WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +32% | $4,000 | 423 |
| Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel 4WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +32% | $4,000 | 436 |
| Gladiator 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +4% | $3,550 | 466 |
| Gladiator 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +4% | $3,550 | 476 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Gladiator PU/CC 4WD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 26.7% |

Similar 2021 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Gladiator (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2021 Ford F-150 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 29 |
| 2021 Toyota Tacoma | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota Tundra | 15 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 GMC Canyon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Ford Ranger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (8)
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump · Jun 4, 2026 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 26V363000 · 1,076,999 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Sep 5, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V652000 · 32,863 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Control Module › Software · Aug 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V572000 · 94 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V263000 · 45,832 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · Feb 23, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V116000 · 69,201 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Engine · Oct 13, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V767000 · 60,413 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Aug 25, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V638000 · 7,895 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · Jan 28, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V028000 · 42,887 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Not every 2021 Jeep Gladiator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Jeep Gladiator buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Steering — 91 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Power Train — 67 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 53 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Gladiator years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Gladiator | 19 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Gladiator | 19 | 216.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 Gladiator | 19 | 216.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Gladiator | 19 | 216.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 23 |
| 2023 Gladiator | 24 | 216.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 57 |
| 2022 Gladiator | 24 | 216.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 120 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →